University of Kentucky named one of the "Great Colleges To Work For"

For the fourth time University of Kentucky was recognized by Modern Think as a "Great College To Work For". However, this year marks the first time that the University of Kentucky has achieved "Honor Roll" status. The full results, ranking, and report were published by The Chronicle Of Higher Education in September. The results, based in part on a survey administered to all levels of university staff, measure factors such as compensation and benefits, collaborative governance, confidence in leadership, and work/life balance.

University of Kentucky officials welcome the recognition from Modern Think, whose "Great Colleges to Work For" has become one of the most respected sources on workplace excellence in it’s thirteen years of conducting the survey. This year, out of 221 colleges surveyed, only 79 were granted the distinction. As stated by Senior Consultant at Modern Think Richard K. Boyer, "This year’s list of recognized institutions in the Great Colleges to Work For program was united in their commitment to organization culture, even in the face of a worldwide pandemic. They stand apart in their recognition that workplace culture can actually be a roadmap for navigating uncertainty."

This year, University of Kentucky achieved even higher accolades when it made the "Honor Roll" which is a distinction reserved for colleges and universities that score at 70% or higher in all 15 criteria measured in the faculty and staff survey. The university was recognized in eight specific areas, an achievement which Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer Kim Wilson finds particularly gratifying, "We have long had a reputation for our strong benefits package, but this year’s recognition is further evidence of how our workplace is about so much more than that. We are a collaborative community where the very best staff and faculty work every day to fulfill both their professional goals and our collective mission."

The results are based on the survey of faculty and staff and also an analysis of institutional data and workplace policies. University administrators have looked to the survey in previous years to adjust and improve university policies as an employer. Commitment to the University of Kentucky’s mission statement was noted by one employee who responded to the survey, "Our mission is infused into everything we do to serve the Commonwealth. The University of Kentucky leadership is truly focused on student success and addressing the pressing health care disparities that plague the state and region."

In a recent press release, University of Kentucky President Dr. Eli Capilouto stressed the importance of faculty and staff in making the university a successful institution, "While accolades and awards are gratifying reminders of the work we do, it’s our people who make this community so powerful. We appreciate your invaluable work and all the ways you make us the University of, for and with Kentucky."